It has been a while, but the Illinois basketball team is loading the NBA with talent.
In years past, there were one or two Illini players in the NBA, with some others trying to make The Association via the G-League, but nowadays, Illinois is more woven into the NBA fabric.
As the 2025-26 season tips off with the triumphant return of NBA on NBC, there are a handful of Illinois players fans can cheer for on opening night rosters.
Ayo Dosunmu – Chicago Bulls
Ayo is entering year five, yes, year five in the NBA. After making the All-Rookie team in 2022, Ayo has gradually improved with the Bulls.
Last season, Ayo averaged a career-high 30.3 minutes and 12.3 points per game. He is projected to be a solid rotational piece once again, but much like in seasons past, Ayo will likely get many starts throughout the season.
Kasparas Jakucionis – Miami Heat
The Heat will be short on guard talent in 2025-26, so Jakucionis should get plenty of playing time. As a first round pick in 2025, Jakucionis will serve as a good rotational piece at the No. 1 guard spot for Miami.
Will Riley – Washington Wizards
Illinois has a couple of NBA players who have a chance to crack a starting lineup this season. Riley was another first round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he should get a lot of playing time for a struggling Wizards team.
Terrence Shannon Jr. – Minnesota Timberwolves
Shannon had a huge 2024-25 rookie campaign. He averaged 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game for the Timberwolves. He did manage to get a start in there, too.
It is going to be a struggle for Shannon to see starts for Minnesota. There is some good backcourt talent with the Timberwolves, but Shannon will get plenty of playing time. He is a good guard who showed a ton of promise at the end of last season.